GK: JAIR BOLSONARO – PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL

Jair Bolsonaro has been elected as the next president of Brazil, winning 55.1% of the vote in the second-round vote between himself and PT candidate Fernando Haddad.

The far-right candidate was leading in the polls after he fell just short of achieving a majority in the first round of voting three weeks ago.

His win on Sunday night has alarmed progressives, given his previous comments supporting torture and calling for political opponents to be shot. As well as comments disparaging women, minorities and LGBT people.

In a televised victory speech, Bolsonaro said “We are going to change the destiny of Brazil” but also extended an olive branch, saying he was going to govern for all Brazilians regardless of orientation, opinion or colour.

Bolsonaro, will take office on January 1.

BRAZIL PRESIDENTIAL SYSYTEM

The President of Brazil, officially the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil or simply is both the head of state and the head of government of Brazil. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the Brazilian Armed Forces. The presidential system was established in 1889, upon the proclamation of the republic in a military coup d’état against Emperor Pedro II.